Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Here, we discuss the origin of chondrocytes, their destiny, and their plasticity in relationship to bone growth, articulation, and formation of the trabeculae. We also consider these processes from a biological, clinical, and evolutionary perspective.
Recent Findings
Chondrocytes, which provide the template for the formation of most bones, are responsible for skeletal growth and articulation during postnatal life. In recent years our understanding of the fate of these cells has changed dramatically. Current evidence indicates a paradoxical situation during skeletogenesis, with some cells of mesenchymal condensation differentiating directly into osteoblasts, whereas others of the same kind give rise to highly similar osteoblasts via a complex process of differentiation involving several chondrocyte intermediates. The situation becomes even more paradoxical during postnatal growth when stem cells in the growth plate produce differentiated, functional progenies, which thereafter presumably dedifferentiate into another type of stem cell.
Summary
Such a remarkable transition from one cell type to another under postnatal physiological conditions provides a fascinating example of cellular plasticity that may have valuable clinical implications.
Funder
Vetenskapsrådet
Novo Nordisk Fonden
the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils
University of Gothenburg
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Cited by
1 articles.
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